Chrysler Crossfire

The Penta Star's next concept-to-production story?

Stopping this lightweight shouldn't be a problem: All four corners are managed by 14-in. vented discs squeezed by giant calipers. Accurate turning and strong stopping will be communicated to the road by P255/40R19 tires in front and P295/35ZR21 meats out back.

The Crossfire's delicious bodywork has undergone wind-tunnel testing to investigate its high-speed stability.

Interior designers devoted the same level of attention to the cabin as they did to the jewellike exterior. As you drop into the two-tone leather bucket, the first thing you notice is that the windshield is divided in the center by a metal spine that supports the rearview mirror and houses the drive system for the central wiper. The Crossfire's second most obvious interior element is the large central tunnel between driver and passenger. As well as providing structural strength, it serves as the enclosure for the manual trans, the robust driveshaft, and the rumbling low-restriction exhaust system. A functional rally computer mounted on the passenger side of the dash provides information regarding the car's lateral g, acceleration times, and braking performance.A translucent hood sweeps over the driver's instrumentation with the gauges stepped back into the instrument panel. This makes them easily packaged and fully readable. The instrument panel's overall look suggests a pricey pilot's chronograph watch with aluminum face and dark blue graphics. Creed said he wanted a look of precision. We say, "Mission accomplished." The steering wheel is a rich-looking piece with accents of aluminum echoed in the column's stalks. Behind the seats are the rear speaker-system enclosures and a load floor with neat storage for two helmets.

It's always dangerous to extrapolate too much from a concept car. But at minimum, the Crossfire, like most of Chrysler's concepts, offers a peek at the styling cues we're likely to see on future models. And unlike dream cars of the past, it also serves up a healthy helping of what Chrysler engineers are dreaming about, as well. It's a combination that speaks serious sports car. And it's too production-ready to be written off as just another turn-table toy.Stop teasing--keys, please?